Continental WinterContact TS 870 P vs Michelin Alpin 6

In this article we will be looking at independent tire test data, and real world driver reviews of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Michelin Alpin 6 to find out which tire is best for your own driving.

There are a few basic differences between the two tires. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is an Ultra-High-Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars, and the Michelin Alpin 6 is an Premium-Touring Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger-Cars

In This Article
Introduction Test Results Driver Reviews Conclusion
WinterContact-TS-870-P VS Alpin-6

Test Results

Independent comparison tire tests are the best source of data to get tire information from, and the good news is there have been four tests which compare both tires directly!

Out of these four tests:

  • Continental WinterContact TS 870 P finished ahead of the Michelin Alpin 6 in two of the tests
  • Michelin Alpin 6 finished ahead of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P in two of the tests

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 have an equal number of test wins. However, tires are very complicated objects which means where one tire is better than the other can be more important in real world use.

Let's look at how the two tires compare across multiple tire test categories.

Dry Braking

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two dry braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 1.24% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
43.13M
Michelin Alpin 6
43.67M
Dry braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Dry Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:43.3M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 43.1M
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:42.9M Michelin Alpin 6: 43M
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:43.2M Michelin Alpin 6: 44.9M

Dry Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.62% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
73s
Michelin Alpin 6
74.2s
Dry handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Dry Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:73s Michelin Alpin 6: 74.2s

Dry Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one dry handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.49% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
123.2Km/H
Michelin Alpin 6
122.6Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Dry Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:123.2Km/H Michelin Alpin 6: 122.6Km/H

Wet Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during three wet braking tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 stopped the vehicle in 1.51% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
44.5M
Michelin Alpin 6
43.83M
Wet braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking: Michelin Alpin 6

2022 Winter Tire Market Overview
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:34.6M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 34.1M
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:54M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 53.3M
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:38.2M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 36.4M
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:51.2M Michelin Alpin 6: 51.5M

Wet Braking - Concrete

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one wet braking - concrete tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 stopped the vehicle in 1.27% less distance than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
39.4M
Michelin Alpin 6
38.9M
Wet braking on Concrete in meters, lower is better

Best In Wet Braking - Concrete: Michelin Alpin 6

2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:39.4M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 38.9M

Wet Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one wet handling [s] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.14% faster around a wet lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
87s
Michelin Alpin 6
88.9s
Wet handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Handling [s]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:87s Michelin Alpin 6: 88.9s

Wet Handling [Km/H]

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
72.1Km/H
Michelin Alpin 6
72.1Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed, higher is better

Best In Wet Handling [Km/H]:

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:72.1Km/H Michelin Alpin 6: 72.1Km/H

Wet Circle

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two wet circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 1.44% faster around a wet circle than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
12.34s
Michelin Alpin 6
12.52s
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Wet Circle: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:12.21s Michelin Alpin 6: 12.34s
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:12.46s Michelin Alpin 6: 12.69s

Straight Aqua

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three straight aqua tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P floated at a 1.41% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
80.57Km/H
Michelin Alpin 6
79.43Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H, higher is better

Best In Straight Aqua: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:78.9Km/H Michelin Alpin 6: 78.7Km/H
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:84.5Km/H Michelin Alpin 6: 81.5Km/H
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:78.3Km/H Michelin Alpin 6: 78.1Km/H

Curved Aquaplaning

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two curved aquaplaning tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P slipped out at a 7.03% higher speed than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
3.13m/sec2
Michelin Alpin 6
2.91m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Curved Aquaplaning: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:2.75m/sec2 Michelin Alpin 6: 2.61m/sec2
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3.5m/sec2 Michelin Alpin 6: 3.2m/sec2

Snow Braking

Looking at data from four tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three snow braking tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped the vehicle in 2.68% less distance than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
20.73M
Michelin Alpin 6
21.3M
Snow braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Snow Braking: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Winter Tire Market Overview
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:25.5M Michelin Alpin 6: 26.4M
2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:25.5M Michelin Alpin 6: 26.4M
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:9.9M Michelin Alpin 6: 10.5M
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:22M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 21.9M

Snow Traction

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow traction tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had 1.16% better snow traction than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
1995.9N
Michelin Alpin 6
2019.3N
Pulling Force in Newtons, higher is better

Best In Snow Traction: Michelin Alpin 6

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:2583N Michelin Alpin 6: 2580N
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:245.7N ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 260.9N
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3159N ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 3217N

Snow Handling [s]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one snow handling [s] tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 was 2.36% faster around a lap than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
67.9s
Michelin Alpin 6
66.3s
Snow handling time in seconds, lower is better

Best In Snow Handling [s]: Michelin Alpin 6

2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:67.9s ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 66.3s

Snow Handling [Km/H]

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow handling [km/h] tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 0.92% faster around a lap than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
54.2Km/H
Michelin Alpin 6
53.7Km/H
Snow handling average speed, higher is better

Best In Snow Handling [Km/H]: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:54.2Km/H Michelin Alpin 6: 53.7Km/H

Snow Circle

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero snow circle tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P provided 0.44% more lateral grip than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
4.57ms/2
Michelin Alpin 6
4.59ms/2
Lateral snow grip in m/s squared, higher is better

Best In Snow Circle: Michelin Alpin 6

2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:4.57ms/2 ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 4.59ms/2

Snow Slalom

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one snow slalom tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was 2.12% faster through a slalom than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
3.78m/sec2
Michelin Alpin 6
3.7m/sec2
Lateral acceleration, higher is better

Best In Snow Slalom: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:3.78m/sec2 Michelin Alpin 6: 3.7m/sec2

Ice Braking

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one ice braking tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 stopped the vehicle 3.94% shorter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
20.3M
Michelin Alpin 6
19.5M
Ice braking in meters, lower is better

Best In Ice Braking: Michelin Alpin 6

2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:20.3M ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 19.5M

Noise

Looking at data from three tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during three noise tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P measured 1.24% quieter than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
71.4dB
Michelin Alpin 6
72.3dB
External noise in dB, lower is better

Best In Noise: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:70.5dB Michelin Alpin 6: 72.2dB
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:70.9dB Michelin Alpin 6: 71.2dB
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:72.8dB Michelin Alpin 6: 73.5dB

Wear

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during zero wear tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P is predicted to cover 23.29% miles before reaching 1.6mm than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
36145KM
Michelin Alpin 6
47116.5KM
Predicted tread life in KM, higher is better

Best In Wear: Michelin Alpin 6

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:30590KM ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 40933KM
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:41700KM ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 53300KM

Value

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one value tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 proved to have a 26.79% better value based on price/1000km than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
23.7Price/1000
Michelin Alpin 6
17.35Price/1000
Euros/1000km based on cost/wear, lower is better

Best In Value: Michelin Alpin 6

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:23.7Price/1000 ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 17.35Price/1000

Price

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during one price tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P cost 7.65% less than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
755
Michelin Alpin 6
817.5
Price in local currency, lower is better

Best In Price: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:725 ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 720
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:785 Michelin Alpin 6: 915

Rolling Resistance

Looking at data from two tire tests, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P was better during two rolling resistance tests. On average the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P had a 11.65% lower rolling resistance than the Michelin Alpin 6.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
7.28kg / t
Michelin Alpin 6
8.24kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t, lower is better

Best In Rolling Resistance: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:7.3kg / t Michelin Alpin 6: 8.33kg / t
2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test
215/55 R17		 ✓ Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:7.26kg / t Michelin Alpin 6: 8.14kg / t

Fuel Consumption

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
5.7l/100km
Michelin Alpin 6
5.7l/100km
Fuel consumption in Litres per 100 km, lower is better

Best In Fuel Consumption:

2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:5.7l/100km Michelin Alpin 6: 5.7l/100km

Abrasion

Looking at data from one tire tests, the Michelin Alpin 6 was better during one abrasion tests. On average the Michelin Alpin 6 emitted 28.17% less particle wear matter than the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P.

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
71mg/km/t
Michelin Alpin 6
51mg/km/t
Weight of Tire Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t), lower is better

Best In Abrasion: Michelin Alpin 6

2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test
205/60 R16		 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P:71mg/km/t ✓ Michelin Alpin 6: 51mg/km/t

Real World Driver Reviews

Tire Reviews also collects real world driver reviews for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6.

In total the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P has been reviewed 18 times and drivers have given the tire 89% overall.

The Michelin Alpin 6 has been reviewed 30 times and drivers have given the tire 86% overall.

This means in real world driving, people prefer the Michelin Alpin 6.

Best Review for the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
Given 84% 205/60 R16 on mostly motorways for 110 average miles
This is a quick review to help out some folk to buy these tires. My plan before was to buy 860S however the new model intrigued me but I'd say that 860S may in fact be better in terms of subjective feel. Dry grip wasn't half bad, definitely could launch the car hard in the dry however at around 8C or more after prolonged driving session it does start to drop off so I assume it may perform even better in fairly cold weather. Braking in the dry could be better as my previous TS860 tires did better in dry braking. Handling had bit understeer in the dry but nothing that made the drive boring.... Continue reading this review using the link below
Helpful 115 - tire reviewed on October 25, 2021
View all Continental WinterContact TS 870 P driver reviews >>
Best Review for the Michelin Alpin 6
Given 93% 195/65 R15 on mostly town for 0 spirited miles
I've had until now kleber krisalp hp2, Avon Ice touring, Pirelli Cinturato. The Alpin 6 have a good grip on wet and dry, they are silent to. I'm waiting the snow to test it. 1st impresion, verry good.
Helpful 225 - tire reviewed on November 11, 2018
View all Michelin Alpin 6 driver reviews >>

Conclusion

In conclusion the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P performed better in dry braking, dry handling [s], dry handling [km/h], wet handling [s], wet circle, straight aqua, curved aquaplaning, snow braking, snow handling [km/h], snow slalom, noise, price and rolling resistance, while the Michelin Alpin 6 performed better in wet braking, wet braking - concrete, snow traction, snow handling [s], snow circle, ice braking, wear, value and abrasion.

Interestingly, both tires performed equally well in wet handling [km/h] and fuel consumption, showing that they are closely matched in these areas.

Which tire is best for you depends a lot on your driving style and situation, plus what you want from the tire. Comparing all the data in the tire reviews database, on balance Continental WinterContact TS 870 P seems to be the best tire overall.

However, it's important to note that both tires have their strengths.

Remember, the best tire for you might depend on which of these factors are most important for your specific driving needs and conditions.

Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Overall Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Footnote

This page has been developed using tire industry testing best practices. This means we are only comparing tests which have had both tires in the same test.

Why is this important? Tire testing is heavily affected by things like surface grip levels and surface temperature, which means you can only compare values from the same day. During a tire test external condition changes are calculated into the overall results, but it is not possible to calculate this between tire tests performed on different days or at different locations.

As a result you will see other tests on Tire Reviews which feature both the %s and %s, but as they weren't conducted on the same day, the results are not comparable.

Lots of other websites do this sort of tire comparison, Tire Reviews doesn't.